Bob Hunt Photographer

Category: Cup

The Peoria Rivermen scored two first period goals but Alec Richards finished with 35 saves as the Rockford IceHogs beat the Rivs 5-3 at Carver Arena before 3,082 fans. For the second straight night, the Rivermen scored the first goal of the game with Adam Cracknell putting one in at 1:52 of the first. Brett Sterling and T.J. Hensick exchanged drop passes inside the Rockford blueline before Cracknell picked up the puck and rifled a wrist shot by the blocker of Richards. The Rivermen outshot the IceHogs 11-2 in the first, 18-11 in the third and 38-29 in the game. Ben Bishop finished with 23 saves on 28 shots in his season debut while the Rivermen power play finished 0-for-5.